Carrying the basket in his arms, Huo Zaiyuan exits the space, and the first thing he sees is Li Qing's resplendent little face.
"Good morning, little Yuan Yuan! Wah, cherry tomatoes! I love it, I love it!" Saying that, he immediately reaches out and snags one fresh and red tomato.
Before the apocalypse, cherry tomatoes were Li Qing's favourite food. But after the apocalypse, don't say cherry tomatoes, even if one wishes to eat other fruits, it is very difficult to obtain. Although Huo Zaiyuan takes fruits out from his space during mealtime or for snacking on, it is mostly apples, pomegranates and oranges. He doesn't dare be greedy and eat a lot either, as he is aware that Huo Zaiyuan's supply of fresh food is not limitless and will finish one day.
"I know you like it, which is why I picked a few and brought them out. Tell me when you've finished them. I've planted a few trees in my space." Seeing Li Qing's delighted expression, Huo Zaiuan smiles. He is well aware of his childhood friend's thoughtfulness and wanted to do something to make him happy.
"Planted? Planted?! Older brother Long said you can only plant vegetables in your space, is that true?"
A few days ago, Li Qing overheard Long Zhanye saying Huo Zaiyuan's space can grow crops, but he didn't exactly take note of it. Also, he has seen his friend disappear into his space, and knows the other's interdimensional space is different from his storage ring. Now that he hears Huo Zaiyuan personally announce that all Li Qing has to do is ask more from him whenever he finishes eating the cherry tomatoes, Li Qing's eyes seem to glitter with how bright it becomes. He suddenly feels so fortunate.
"Do you think it's false?" Rising both eyebrows, Huo Zaiyuan turns on his heels and walks away. "I'll go cook breakfast, after eating, you can go back and catch up on more sleep."
"Catch up on more sleep? Are we planning to stay here a little longer? Are we going to be scavenging food from the town?" Li Qing is not a fool. In the previous village they stayed in, because of the demonic tree incident, they didn't have the opportunity to scavenge for supplies. Although there are zombies roaming this place, if they are not going to search for supplies, then he doesn't know the reason for staying a little longer.
He has checked on the food supply lying in the storage ring, and estimates it is sufficient to feed the four of them for two years. He doesn't know how much food Huo Zaiyuan has stored away, but even if they add it together, it will eventually run out. Which is why on this journey, besides heading as quickly as possible to their destination, they also continue to scavenge as much as they can.
"No. We're going to rescue people." Dropping this bomb with a nonchalant tone, Huo Zaiyuan wanders into the kitchen.
Rescue - rescue people?
Rescue what people?
As the party digs into breakfast, Huo Zaiyuan recounts what happened when he was meditating in the space, and the old shaman reaching her conscious mind out to him in order to seek aid.
"Since little Yuan agreed to help, then it's decided. Going out to rescue people, how can you not count me in?" Swallowing the last mouthful of stir-fried noodles on his plate, Long Zhanye smiles.
Seeing Long Zhanye agreeing to help without the slightest hesitation, Huo Zaiyuan's heart warms.
"Although it's the apocalypse now, this world doesn't only contain you and me. There are also vile and evil people still alive and kicking. If the common people requires aid, we still have an obligation to extend a helping hand whenever possible." Qin Jun puts down his chopsticks and dips his head towards Huo Zaiyuan. "Count me in."
"I'll go, I'll go too." Li Qing raises both hands above his head, beaming.
"Little Qing, you were keeping watch for the second half of the night and didn't sleep. Stay behind and rest. Qin Jun, older brother Long and I would be enough." Huo Zaiyuan advises as he passes another corn to Li Qing.
"Unall right. But in the afternoon, after I rest, I want to join in." Cradling the basket of cherry tomatoes to his bosom like a treasure, Li Qing sweeps his gaze over them. "All of you must be careful."
"Un."
Because Huo Zaiyuan has already surrounded this house with a protective array, there's no need to worry about zombies breaking in and attacking Li Qing when he's resting in the bedroom. With no need to be afraid for the person staying behind, the three of them make essential preparations before heading out the door.